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How to survive a 10 hour flight with 2- year old:

My new list of go tos after flying from

Honolulu to Atlanta solo with my toddler--

$1 bin road tape from Target (see photo)

Small toy cars

Glow sticks (!)

Fruit snacks and Goldfish

Stickers (500 count sticker books are great)

Melissa and Doug Water WOW!

Lollipops

Headphones ($5 from ROSS)

Reusable water bottle with a nozzle

Snacks (mini bagels + individual packets of Justin's almond butter are good for traveling)

Full size pillow, lovey, and blanket for airplane napping

Wipes and diapers

Change of clothes

Silicone bib

First Aid

Masking tape or painters tape: child proof outlets, write your phone number on it and stick it on your child's clothing, etc.

💡Stock up on lots of new little $1 bin items (wrap them!) for them to open during the flight-- This is entertaining for them (but don't show them any of the goods until you are presenting them one at a time on the plane!)💡

3 outfits, 3 pajamas, shoes and socks

Hat, raincoat, vest

Monitor, sound machine

Aluminum foil and masking tape (to black out bedroom windows at final destination) 🌝

For mom:

500mg Tylenol for head and back aches

Kindl/book

Headphones

Individually packed dry coffee packets

Granola bars/RX bars

Reusable water bottle

3-4 outfits, layers

Rain jacket, vest

Minimal toiletries + under eye concealer

Unlimited patience, enthusiasm, and some grace 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼 Traveling with your little one takes some extra planning and flexibility but it's worth it!

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Toddler Update

My baby has magically transformed into a toddler right before my eyes!  If I didn’t say this before let me say it now: Travel with your baby.  DO IT!  It is easier than you think and it is easier now than it will be for a long time to come. Trust me.  Pack your rucksack, strap on your baby, and go.  Travel as much as you can BEFORE he can walk.  Now that I have a walking (running), talking (screaming), very physical toddler the game has changed and there are new challenges.

We recently completed two separate flights from Atlanta, GA to Honolulu, HI (10 hours) and Honolulu to Salt Lake City (7 hours).  Overall, my little guy did pretty well!

My toddler flying survival kit:

Beco Toddler Carrier

Uppa Baby G-Lite stroller

Pillow and familiar stuffed animal for napping

Turkish towel (or similar washable blanket)

Board books with FLAPS

New, small toys (present them one at a time throughout the flight)

Snacks, snacks, snacks: Cheerios, raisins, animal crackers anything that can be eaten one-at-a-time (time-pass).  No choking hazards please!

Boxed milk cartons with straws (no need to refrigerate)

Pouches (chicken and veggie, butternut squash, etc.)

Plastic Bib (can be wiped clean)

Honest Wipes (face wipes, hand wipes, diaper changes)

Diapers and changing station

Finding Nemo downloaded to smart device (the colors are mesmerizing) 

Playlist of tot’s favorite songs!

Stickers (cheap entertainment)

Changes of clothing for parents and tot

Costume jewelry (bracelets and watches make for wearable entertainment)

Oralgel for teethers

Hand sanitizer and wet-wipes (wipe down seats, tray tables, arm rests)

Mountain Buggy clip on high chair for layovers

Tot’s book bag harness, ID card, and ID armband (in the event that you are separated in a busy airport!).  You can make a homemade child ID armband with masking tape folded over and a sharpie marker.

Masking tape for childproofing upon arrival

Last but not least, bring PLENTY OF PATIENCE :-) 

Change activities every 10-15 minutes throughout the flight.  Have the next activity ready on deck.

Walk up and down the aisle with your tot every chance you get.  It helps to tire out wiggly legs and is endlessly entertaining!  Same goes for layovers-- walk walk walk walk through the airport!  Tire out that little one!

I checked the carseat inside of a carseat travel bag.  Included backseat mirror and window shade inside.  I use the Osprey Porter Series backpack (from REI) as my carry-on.

HAVE FUN!  You can do it!

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My little guy and me traveling, just the two of us, from California to North Carolina to Berlin to Munich and back again.  This particular trip entailed 50 hours of travel in just a two week span.  

We have traveled from the West Coast to the East Coast (2 months), to Canada (6 months), to Europe (8 months), Alaska (10 months), the East Coast (11 months), and to Hawaii (12 months).  Planes, trains, busses, subways, cars, you name it-- We’ve done it!

Pack: My husband’s Arcteryx backpack  (I also love the Osprey Porter Series!)

Stroller Base: Bugaboo Cameleon, purchased used on Craigslist

Carseat:  German designed Cybex Aton 2

Stroller-Carseat Adapters: Maxi-Cosi adapter for Bugaboo Cameleon 

Spit Up/Nursing/Travel-friendly clothing:  Target and ROSS

Baby Carrier: Ergo Baby Original, purchased used on Craigslist (stored under stroller)

High Chair:  Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On High Chair (stored under stroller)

Photo (above):  We did not check any luggage or gear for this trip.  We gate checked the carseat stroller combination and carried the carseat on board when possible.

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Planning Ahead

Apply for TSA PRE-CHECK  This is a game changer!  Zip through the security line with your shoes on and your baby in the carrier.

Call your pediatrician to let him know your travel plans.  Ask him about any precautions you should take.  My pediatrician suggested a couple of extra flu shots for international travel at the tail end of flu season.  He also suggested mosquito protection for our trip to Alaska in July.  Thank you, Dr. B!

Midweek flights are great.  Two words: OPEN SEATS

Pick the flight with a “healthy” layover.  In my opinion, a one hour layover isn’t enough time (even if you’re traveling without a baby).  You don’t want to rush and if you gate checked any gear you’ll have to wait to get it back!  Also, delays happen.  So give yourselves time for a bathroom break, tummy time, snacks, diaper change, even a small nap.  I thought my 5 hour layover in New Jersey was going to be a disaster but it turned out to be a good chunk of time to get our bearings and gear up for our international flight.  

Research the airline lounge (United Club, Delta Lounge, etc.) that correlates with your airline ahead of time (location/terminal, amenities, cost)-- Sometimes it’s worth the fee!  Quiet family room, air conditioning, and snacks included. 

Make sure you add a “lap child” to your airline ticket ahead of time, domestic or international.  Children under 2 years old fly for free but international travel requires that you pay taxes for your infant’s journey.

The week before, write out a pack list.  Write down everything you use each day: How many diapers, how many outfits, how many ounces of milk/food.  This will give you a realistic idea of how much to pack.  You do not want to overpack.  You do not want to under pack either. 

On that note, remember DELAYS HAPPEN.  Be flexible.  Plan to take an extra snacks and diapers (and food for you, too!

Learn to change diapers in your lap:  One week before you fly, sit in a kitchen chair with your knees against the wall to replicate the tiny airplane seats.  This will be important.  Those changing tables in the airplanes (if they even have them) are a joke.  

Get used to changing diapers anywhere and everywhere.  Bench, bus stop, patch of grass, on a train, etc.

Get used to nursing everywhere.  Wear clothes that allow you to do this easily.  The more you do it, the more comfortable you and baby will become!  

Will you have a washer and dryer at your final destination?  This is very important to know.  If you will, pack even LIGHTER!! 

If you are staying with friends, ask if they (or any friends of friends) have a crib, pack n play, or something similar that you can borrow.  If staying at a hotel, call to reserve a crib for the room.  If nothing is available, you can bring your own travel crib, sheets, and mattress protector from home.  This is another piece of luggage to manage, however.  Just something to keep in mind.

Purchase travel formula packets as a back up (Enfamil packets from Amazon worked great for us, suggested by my traveling guru friends Katie and Henry!).  If you are still breast feeding, you may hope you won’t have to use formula but for me it was an excellent alternative to take some pressure off, just in case.  During a couple of my travels I became very dehydrated due to flying and elevation changes (sea level to 6,000+ feet) so I was relieved to have a backup and my hungry baby was, too.

You will probably have to use the bathroom wearing your baby in his carrier multiple times at the airport and throughout your journey.  Practice this joy of traveling at home once or twice if you’d like to!

Learn how to strap in your carseat without its base in a car that is not your own.  Look for carseat safety check organizations in your community to make sure you’re doing it correctly before you go.

Learn the emergency number ( “911″ is not international) in the countries you’ll be traveling to.  While you’re at it, google a hospital and find a pediatrician or two in the city where you’ll be staying.  It doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side-- even if just for peace of mind.

All you really need are passports, diapers, food, and a positive attitude. YOU CAN DO THIS!  

Also, don’t forget to backup your photos along the way– I use the dropbox app!

Hope for the best, plan for the worst.  All of the planning, preparation, and organizing is so worth it!  Take the leap and book that trip.  Memories await!

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Packing: It’s an art form

Pack. Then unpack and repack two more times.  Get rid of everything you don’t absolutely need.  Remember this mantra:  Passports, Pampers, food.

Everything has to be multipurpose Small burp clothes can be used as wash cloths.  Muslin cloth blanket can be used as nursing cover, stroller shade, etc.  Toys must have dual purpose as teether, rattle, etc.  Canister of puffs snack can also be used as a musical instrument.  Make sure everything you pack is “worth it” and can be used in multiple ways.

Use packing cubes to separate your clothing.  This was so helpful when I needed to grab an outfit quickly.  I knew exactly where it was!

Pack a few outfits for baby that you don’t particularly care for or that he is about to grow out of.  That was you can toss them out along the way.  It feels great to lose a few pounds of unwanted clothing on your journey home-- Just keep enough back-up outfits for the trip home.  Keep this in mind for packing your outfits as well.

Tip from my friend, Tiffany:  If you are traveling to a hotel, use their hand towels as burp cloths.  They will be replaced everyday, right?  No need to lug around dirty rags of your own.

Download your child’s favorite songs on your iPhone.  There might come a time (meltdown) where he just needs to hear his favorite song on repeat and it will help him to calm down or go to sleep.  I love Jewel’s Lullaby album!

For the flight, plan to wear an outfit that will hide spit up and dry quickly.  You’ll need a backup outfit, too.  Just in case.

Dress baby in something comfortable: A familiar set of PJs or a cozy outfit.  He should be as comfortable as possible.  Include a bandana bib and pacifier leash.

Pack only what you can carry, unassisted, for one mile.  That’s the golden rule of travel, right?  PACK LIGHT.

All he really needs is you.  And diapers.

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Documents

Does baby need a passport?  Call customs or look online of the country you’re traveling to.  Call the airlines, too.  I was told three times I did not need a passport for my 6 month old.  I did.  Quadruple check!

Permission from your spouse:  If traveling alone internationally with baby, have a notarized copy of a “letter of consent” written and signed by your spouse granting you permission to travel with baby (name of countries to be traveled and dates).  You may not need it in the end but it’s good to have just in case.  

Contact sheet:  Type out a list of your important contacts and their information.  In the event something happens (medical emergency, your phone is stolen) and you need to get in touch with your family, you don’t want to be so flustered that you don’t remember anyone’s phone number.  Keep a copy saved in your email as well.

Make copies of your government issued IDs and passports!  Again, if they are lost or stolen have a backup tucked in your carry on luggage! And leave a second backup at home with your spouse and/or parents. 

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What to Bring (Mama)

Passports, phone, wallet, phone charger

Inexpensive wristwatch

Earbuds

Kindle

Tylenol/Ibuprofen and any other OTC medications you might need

Water

Snacks

Hand sanitizer

Scarf: Can be used as a scarf, blanket, nursing cover, stroller shade

Backup outfit  for the plane:  Long sleeve shirt, leggings

Ring sling if you like them and use them regularly for nursing/napping

Pack 3-4 travel-friendly outfits: Separate post on that here!

2 Nursing bras 

2-3 black camisoles (Kirkland brand from Costco are fantastic) to make nursing easier.

Neutrogena bar of soap

Travel size shampoo

Brush, hair bands, bobby pins

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Minimal toiletries

Make up:  Because let’s face it-- You are going to need that under eye concealer like never before!  Travel brings you to a whole new level of sleep deprivation.  Embrace it!  

Sunglasses

Hybrid camera: Sony α6000 or similar versatile interchangeable-lens camera

Camera charger

Electrical outlet adapters (international travel)

Batteries (for sound spa, baby monitor, etc. etc. etc.)

Small, manual breast pump— only if you must.  If you’re flying, I do not recommend lugging around that huge electrical pump!  I did not bring one at all but if I had I would have packed my small Medela Harmony hand pump.  

Blue Tape or Masking Tape for child proofing electrical outlets and cabinets.

Keep in mind:  If you do not bring a pump, make sure you are watching the clock and feeding baby every couple of hours to maintain your supply and avoid health problems. 

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What to Bring (Baby)

Photo: Layers, layers, layers.

Honest Wipes:  These are amazing for wiping messy faces, giving sponge baths, changing diapers, wiping up spit up off the airplane floor, cleaning hands.  This tip comes from my traveling guru friends Katie and Henry--one of the best travel suggestions ever!

Medela Quick Clean Wipes: Wipe out bottles, clean toys, pacifiers, anything that hits the ground during your travel.

Babyganics Foaming Hand Sanitizer (alcohol free) for babies: Embrace this “immune building experience” but still try to clean those little hands when you get the chance.

Travel formula packets (Enfamil, ordered from Amazon)

2 Empty bottles (wash or wipe immediately after use)

Food pouches (Gerber Organics)

Puffs (can also be used as musical instrument!)

Plastic bib (something that is NOT cloth and can be wiped off easily)

Waterproof liners Put one of these in your carseat to protect against blowouts.

Pacifier(s)

Pacifier leashes (great for pacifiers and toys)

3 toys (rattle, oball, teether, stuffed animal or lovey.  You can even take the mirror off of your tummy time mat and bring it with you!)

3 small books (lightweight!  Travel size Dr. Seuss board books from Target or Indestructible books, perfect for teething!)

Tummy time blanket (should be large and lightweight: Turkish towels or flat bedsheets are great)

Thermometer

Baby Tylenol

Saline nasal spray

Oragel for teethers

A+D diaper rash cream (I mix it into a travel size vaseline container)

Nose suction bulb or similar apparatus 

Nail clippers

Diapers and dog waste bags

Backup outfit(s)

Cheap baby monitor

Drool bandana bibs/outfit savers

Travel size dish washing detergent

Travel size baby shampoo

A handful of onesies and outfits of various warmths, can be layered, thrown out if need be.  Favorite brands include KickeePants and HannaAndersson 

Best Ever Socks and Robeez

Patagonia fleece bodysuit

Travel sound spa (noise machine)

Aden and Anais muslin swaddle blanket

Sleep sack

Hats (sleeping, cold weather, and sun protection)

1 or 2 small, quick dry wash cloths

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TEAM GEAR

Small purse with body strap: For passports, phone, wallet, chapstick, kindl, and headphones.

Clear carry on tote to store under the seat in front of you: You can keep your toys, books, a snack, wipes, a spare diaper, and anything you need IMMEDIATELY here, in a very visible and accessible place.

Ergo Baby or similar baby carrier (sturdy, good support)

Packing cubes for organization 

Large pack with shoulder and waist supports to be stored in overhead bin.  I love the Osprey Porter Series!

Bugaboo Cameleon stroller base, purchased used on Craigslist

Stroller-Carseat Adapters

Cybex Aton 2 carseat

 Carseat travel bag

Cold weather carseat cover if traveling to cold location (See photo below)

Collapsable bookbag to be used as diaper bag upon arrival 

Diaper changing kit: Keep this at the top of your pack

Ziplock bags!!  Use these for separating food, toys, toiletries, keeping pacifiers, clean.

Mountain Buggy Pod Clip-On Highchair 2 lbs. AMAZING  Another recommendation from my friends Katie and Henry:

Small collapsable baby food/breast milk cooler (optional)

If traveling with your spouse, consider traveling with an umbrella stroller. Yet another recommendation from my friends Katie and Henry:  The Uppababy G-Lite-- It’s the best! The Babyzen Yoyo stroller also looks amazing but I’ve never tried it.

Jolly Jumper Arctic Sneak-A-Peek Infant CarSeat Cover With Attached Blanket, Weatherproof)

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At the Airport

You may throw your schedule to the wind but monitor your wristwatch and establish a rhythm to the day.  Being mindful of meal times and nap times while traveling through time zones is immensely helpful in avoiding meltdowns.  Your job is to keep baby happy, fed, and well rested despite traveling.

Hopefully you signed up for TSA PRECHECK.  If not, ask if there is a special line for strollers or families.  

Wear baby in baby carrier.  You can not take him through security in the stroller or car seat.  

Put your car seat in a travel bag before checking it or putting it through the X-ray machine.

Keep your liquids, wipes, baby food, and milk in their respective clear bags at the top of your luggage.  Wipes look like a liquid so don’t burry them at the bottom of your pack like I did.  It’s not fun repacking everything you spent so long organizing at the end of the security line.  

TSA will swipe your hands, rummage through your baby’s foods, and handle your baby carrier.  Don’t be shy: Ask them to change gloves and change the wand cover before handling your baby’s food and other items. 

Baby food, breast milk, and even bottled water are allowed to pass through security for mom and baby so take advantage!  Bring your bottled water!

People will offer to help you— Let them.  Ask for help with putting your carseat in the bag before putting it through the X-ray machine.  Ask for help breaking down the stroller.  Ask the kind folks to hand you bins.  Most importantly, don’t worry about rushing!  Take your time and stay calm and organized.  Calm and happy mom = calm and happy baby.

Go to the United/Delta/American Airlines Lounge!  Take advantage of that cool, quiet place with a family room and snacks.

Arrive at your gate early.  Explain that you are a mother traveling alone with your baby and you are wondering if there are any open seats on the plane— If YES, ask to be seated next to an open seat and carry your carseat on.  “Yes, it's airline approved.”  This will provide you with the opportunity to run to the bathroom, eat a meal, etc. while the plane is moving as long as baby is calm or asleep.

BART station in the Bay Area

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On the Aircraft

If there is not an empty seat next to you, ask the flight attendants if there are any open seats in economy plus and if they would be willing to move you there (without having to pay).  This happened to us on a couple of flights and it made a huge difference.  This seemed to be up to the discretion of the flight attendants on board so find a friendly one.

Use everything on the plane seat back pocket as a toy:  Read the emergency brochure together, use the barf bag as a puppet, crinkle a candy wrapper, let him play with your watch or jewelry.  You won’t need to bring too many toys because he will be so stimulated by all that is around him!  When he becomes overstimulated, bring him back to you:  Nurse him or read a familiar book together to help his mind and body calm down.

Make friends!  Smile at everyone and say hello when you arrive at your seat.  It sounds simple but you might be feeling nervous or self conscious and forget to do this.  There will be other parents, new and experienced, all around you who are so kind and willing to help you and entertain baby during the flight.

“Nurse on the way up, nurse on the way down.” And if not, that’s okay too.  If your baby falls asleep or is content, don’t try to force it.  Offer him a pacifier and that should help with ears, too.

If you use bottles, clean them immediately with medela wipes.  Same with your plastic bib if using food pouches.  

Keep everything clean and organized!  Do not allow yourself to become unorganized!

Planes are chilly, don’t forget a hat!  Use airplane blankets when you can, no need to get yours dirty.  Drool bibs and pacifier leashes are life savers.

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Once You’ve Landed

International travel:  Upon landing, ask a service person if you can skip to the front of the customs line.  This will help you bypass 240 people and a screaming baby.

Establish your new schedule and keep a familiar bedtime routine— Feeding, bath or sponge bath, reading, singing, bed.  Whatever you do at home, keep it up during travel.

Purchase more diapers, food, and dye-free-scent-free laundry detergent.  Travel formula was harder to find so I ordered it on Amazon before my trip.

*If any gear you gate checked is broken, make a claim immediately:  At the gate, on the phone, and at baggage claim.  As I understand it, they won’t pay for damaged strollers but they will reimburse for damaged carseats.

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Travel-Friendly Outfits

Photo:  Green Sand Beach, HAWAII 2012

Packing light is an art form and whatever you bring to wear has to be versatile.  In my book that means it has to have the ability to be dressed up, dressed down, worn to a yoga class or out to dinner, and as pajamas.  Lightweight, layers, and washable pieces are key.  Tops and bottoms must be easily interchangeable.  I prefer neutral colors-- white, gray, black-- so it’s not completely obvious when I wear the same things over and over.  This being said, I have no real fashion sense so take this post with a grain of salt.  

TIP:  Dress up simple outfits with a scarf or inexpensive jewelry.

Here are examples of pieces I like to bring depending on location and weather forecast:

Long sleeved T-shirts in white or gray (Target has good options, too)

Loose top for nursing

Boatneck T-shirt (black)

Short sleeve T-shirt (gray, green, or black)

Lightweight sweater (must be machine or hand washable)

Thick black leggings

Lightweight, stretchy jeans (dark blue or black)

Lightweight, quick drying khaki/brown/green pants 

Shorts (warm weather travel if culturally appropriate)

Drape front cardigan (bonus if it’s spit up color)

Fitted zip up hoodie

North Face jacket

Rain jacket

North Face vest (chilly weather)

Packable down coat (for cold weather)

Casual sneakers or boots for all day walking

Flats comfortable enough to wear for several miles or all-day walking

Understated and inexpensive jewelry (long pendant necklace for example)

Inexpensive, washable scarf (I prefer linen and a neutral color)

Sunglasses 

"Going out” top: Something that looks nice enough, can be dressed up or down, and is hand or machine washable.  I prefer black, I think it’s versatile and hides pureed purple potato stains.

Black Camis to go underneath ALL shirts.  Super stretchy, no built in bra.  

If you have room, a lightweight jacket (a utility jacket, a leather jacket, a black blazer) can give you even more versatility with your limited outfits.

Small purse with crossbody strap that can be consolidated into your carry on. Available at your local consignment shop, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom and Macy’s

Bathing suit + cover up

Going international?  Make sure you research what to wear beforehand, check the weather, and be respectful of the culture.  For example, no shorts, shoulders, cleavage in churches, temples, or out and about in more conservative countries, etc.  It’s a generally good rule of thumb to dress modestly while traveling.

Photo (above): TARGET